TravelIntermediate
Getting lost and asking for help in English
Everyday English for getting lost and asking for help. Key line: “Sorry, I think I'm lost. Which way is Maple Street?”
Full script
Lin
Sorry, I think I'm lost. Which way is Maple Street?
Them
Go straight two blocks, then turn left at the light.
Lin
Got it—straight, then left. Is it far from here?
Them
Not really. It's about a five-minute walk from here.
Lin
Perfect, thanks. My phone map keeps sending me in circles.
Them
Yeah, that happens. Sometimes it acts like it's guessing, too.
Lin
Good to know it's not just me. I'll try walking like a normal person.
Them
Do that—and maybe flip your map right-side-up first.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
lost
✓ I think I'm lost.Polite: say you may be lost
Softer than "I'm lost"
direction
✓ Which way is Maple Street?Ask where to go
Which way is... is natural
far?
✓ Is it far from here?Ask about distance
You can also say from + a place
straight
✓ Go straight two blocks.Direction: go ahead 2 blocks
block = one street block
Quick answers
lost: what to say in English
Say “I think I'm lost.” — polite: say you may be lost. Softer than "I'm lost".
direction: what to say in English
Say “Which way is Maple Street?” — ask where to go. Which way is... is natural.
far: what to say in English
Say “Is it far from here?” — ask about distance. You can also say from + a place.
straight: what to say in English
Say “Go straight two blocks.” — direction: go ahead 2 blocks. block = one street block.